Anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela dies aged 95

0913 GMT: Preparations have began for the state funeral of South Africa's liberation hero Nelson Mandela, as the world mourns the peace icon's passing.

0755 GMT: Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Nelson Mandela as "one of the greatest politicians in modern times", saying the former South African president was a man who never betrayed his convictions.

"Mandela, having gone through the most difficult ordeals, was committed to the end of his days to the ideals of humanism and justice," Putin was quoted as saying in a Kremlin statement.

"A whole era of modern African history is connected with the name of Nelson Mandela, which is marked by victory over apartheid and building the democratic South Africa," the statement said.

0716 GMT: President Uhuru Kenyatta: Nelson Mandela was an “exceptional transformational leader who was gifted with unique, admirable abilities and strong values”

(Read: Kenyan leaders mourn Mandela)

0618 GMT: Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga says in a statement from Bondo: "Nelson Mandela was one of those rare human beings that we are persistently looking for and we only come across once in a century or a generation, and only if we are lucky.

"He was persistence, courage, humility, hope and tolerance rolled up in one person. "

"We are lucky to have lived in his time and to have witnessed him rise to become a legend while he still lived.

"In Mandela’s death, the world has lost a great symbol for what humanity can achieve with good intentions and persistence."

0558 GMT: SOME of Nelson Mandela's most memorable quotes, ranging from freedom to sport

0549 GMT: Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto mourns Mandela, says the "world has lost a moral example of selfless leadership, man of courage, principle and honour."

"The African Continent is poorer without Madiba. We are mourning a father to multiple generations of Africans. Madiba left a legacy of leadership and he was a shining example that we should all emulate."

0544 GMT: Tanzania announces three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half mast. Tanzania strongly supported South Africa's apartheid struggle.

(Read: East Africa mourns 'beloved leader' Mandela)

0304 GMT: Kenya's retired President Daniel arap Moi mourns Mandela, saying his death has cast a dark cloud of misery over Africa and other continents which value freedom and human dignity. "The dismantling of apartheid in South Africa immortalised Madiba's fighting spirit and the lofty ideals ideals he stood for, fought for and offered, if necessary, to die for. I thank God that Mandela lived to attain his objective of a free South Africa to crown the political indepedence of the African continent."

0245 GMT: F.W de Klerk, the former South African president who shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Mandela, has paid tribute to his successor while recalling their "often stormy" relationship.

"It was an honour to work with former president Nelson Mandela in bringing democracy to South Africa," de Klerk said.

"I believe that his example will live on and that it will continue to inspire all South Africans to achieve his vision of non-racialism, justice, human dignity, and equality for all."

0242 GMT: Mandela's two youngest daughters heard about the death of their father while attending the London premiere of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom?.

Zindzi and Zenani had just met dignitaries including Prince William and wife Catherine at the screening when they were informed of the news by telephone "and immediately left the cinema," according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

0220 GMT: Mandela was an "old friend of the Chinese people", China's foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei has said in Beijing. Adding the voice of China to the global chorus of condolences, he said Beijing offered the family of the Nobel laureate "sincere solicitude".

During the struggle against apartheid the Chinese Communist Party supported the Pan African Congress, a rival to Mandela's Moscow-backed ANC, and it was not until 1998, four years into his presidential term, that diplomatic ties were established.

0200 GMT: The South African government has created a dedicated website where all announcements and information about the state funeral of Nelson Mandela will be uploaded:

0135 GMT: While leaving the London premiere of a film celebrating the life of the iconic anti-apartheid fighter, Britain's Prince William said Mandela?s death was "extremely sad and tragic".

Mandela's daughter Zindzi was also at the screening of "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom?.

0110 GMT: In 2007, Mandela founded The Elders, a group which says they are independent, progressive leaders committed to peace, justice and human rights. The members of the group each contrubuted to a statement mourning his death.

Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary-General, Chair of The Elders, said, "The world has lost a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice, and a clear moral compass. By showing us that the path to freedom and human dignity lies in love, wisdom and compassion for one another, Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all."

Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland, said, "The most impressive man of my generation has passed away. No one has influenced my life more than President Nelson Mandela."

Fernando Henrique Cardoso, former President of Brazil, said, "The whole world laments the loss of Nelson Mandela. For us Brazilians and for me personally, his action went beyond the struggle for a free South Africa. It illustrated the struggle to liberate human beings from the shackles both of racism and of revenge."

And Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, said, "Nelson Mandela was a much loved citizen of the world. His death leaves us bereft ? it is felt by all of us as a personal loss...There are so many ways that we will remember Nelson Mandela. His determination and courage in fighting for justice for his people, his moral authority, not least in his forgiveness of his former guards, and his valuing of diversity in all aspects of the new South Africa. From all who ever had contact with him, he commanded enormous respect."

0050 GMT: Anti-apartheid activist and fellow prisoner on Robben Island Ahmed Kathrada offered a tribute to Mandela which said, "Your abundant reserves of love, simplicity, honesty, service, humility, care, courage, foresight, patience, tolerance, equality and justice continually served as a source of enormous strength to me and so many millions of people around the world...

While we may be drowned in sorrow and grief, we must be proud and grateful that after the long walk paved with obstacles and suffering, we salute you as a fighter for freedom to the end.

Farewell my elder brother, my mentor, my leader. With all the energy and determination at our command, we pledge to join the people of South Africa and the world to perpetuate the ideals and values for which you have devoted your life."

Back in the United States, First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted, "We will forever draw strength and inspiration from Nelson Mandela's extraordinary example of moral courage, kindness, and humility."

Her husband has ordered all flags in the US to fly at half-mast until sunset on Monday, December 9.

0030 GMT: Both the rugby and cricket worlds are responding to Mandela's death.

Fans attending the second Ashes cricket Test match in Adelaide observed a minute's silence to mark Mandela's passing and players wore black arm bands in his honor.

South Africa's one-day international cricket captain AB de Villiers saluted Mandela by tweeting, "Let us now, more than ever, stick together as a nation! We owe him that much. #madiba you will be missed! #tata #inspiration #leader."

The International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset released a statement saying, "I am so proud that the Rugby family could play its small part in supporting Mr Mandela's efforts to establish the new South Africa and that our tournament came to symbolise the emergence of a new nation. He changed the world and we were privileged to witness and embrace his work."

South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins said, "The South African Rugby Union shares in our nation's sadness. Madiba was a great man of vision, determination and integrity who performed a miracle that amazed the world as much as it amazed his own fellow countrymen."

From Ireland, rock singer and activist Bono writes in Time Magazine, "Without Mandela, would Africa be experiencing its best decade of growth and poverty reduction? His indispensability can't be proved with math and metrics, but I know what I believe."

0016 GMT: More from our team outside of Mandela's home where people are starting to place flowers along the perimeter wall of his house:

Reginald Mokoena who works as a gardener in the suburb of Houghton tells AFP, "I was there when he walked out of prison, I'm here now, it's all so unreal. Our hero is gone."

Asthyn Ariel tells AFPTV, "I think it's the moment where South Africa will really shine as a nation throughout the world. I think we are ready to show that thanks to Madiba we have changed for the better. We are a united rainbow nation."

While Nafiwsa Bhota tells AFPTV, "He is our father. An icon. He's left a legacy, and we hope to follow his footsteps, that we can keep his legacy burning for the rest of the world."

0009 GMT: Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweets that all of South Africa's 126 embassies across the world are ready for people to come and sign Nelson Mandela condolences message books.

Also in Africa, former president Thabo Mbeki posted to Facebook, "As we mourn President Mandela's passing we must ask ourselves the fundamental question - what shall we do to respond to the tasks of building a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa, a people centred society free of hunger, poverty, disease and inequality, as well as Africa's renaissance, to whose attainment President Nelson Mandela dedicated his whole life?"

0007 GMT: At a golf tournament west of Los Angeles, Tiger Woods told reporters including AFP's Rebecca Bryan, "I got a chance to meet him with my father back in '98. He invited us to his home, and it was one of the inspiring times I've ever had in my life."

Asked if he could imagine emerging from 27 years in prison with no thought of revenge Woods said: "Well, I don't think any of us probably here could have survived that and come out as humble and as dignified as he did, and to lead an entire nation and to basically love the world when he came out, I think that's a testament to his will and his spirit and who he was. "

Fellow Nobel laureates are also among those paying tribute, including the Egyptian former head of the IAEA nuclear watchdog Mohamed ElBaradei, who declared, "Let freedom reign. Humanity has lost its greatest son."

And from Latin America, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said, "The example of this great leader will guide all those who fight for social justice and peace in the world."

2356 GMT: From the sporting world, football great Pele tweeted, "(Mandela) was a hero to me. He was a friend and a companion in the popular fight and the fight for world peace."

Portugal's captain Cristiano Ronaldo posted a photo of Mandela at the 2010 World Cup with an English statement, "Thankful Madiba for your legacy and your example. You"ll always stay with us."

European leaders continue to send statements of condolence.

European Union President Herman Van Rompuy tweeted, "Nelson Mandela - one of the greatest political figures of our times. Let's honour his memory by collective commitment to democracy."

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso tweeted, "Mandela changed course of history for his people, country, continent & the world. My thoughts are with his family and people of #SouthAfrica."

And the President of the European Parliament tweeted, "The world has lost a hero and an icon. A defender of freedom, justice and equality. An inspiration for millions. Goodbye #Mandiba."

US Secretary of State John Kerry is also weighing in. His statement said, "Nelson Mandela was a stranger to hate. He rejected recrimination in favor of reconciliation and knew the future demands we move beyond the past. He gave everything he had to heal his country and lead it back into the community of nations, including insisting on relinquishing his office and ensuring there would be a peaceful transfer of power. Today, people all around the world who yearn for democracy look to Mandela's nation and its democratic Constitution as a hopeful example of what is possible."

And in South Africa, the opposition Democratic Alliance said the nation should join hands in mourning Madiba. They also sent condolences to his family.

"May they find the strength to overcome the pain of this great loss. And may the entire Mandela family be accorded the respect they deserve at this time. May they be accorded the right to mourn in peace. The nation mourns with them."

2320 GMT: Outside of Mandela's home Andrew Beatty reports a crowd of over 500 people of different races, young and old gathered for an impromptu vigil singing anti-apartheid songs. He says the mood is not sad but celebratory, with people singing waving flags, shouting, "Viva Mandela, Long Live Madiba."

There is also a large police contingent blocking the house from view.

Ashleigh Williams, who lives near by, tells him, "I knew this day would come, but what can I say our beloved Madiba fought a good fight, now it's time to rest. My heart is full of joy and sadness at the same time. He left a great legacy. I don't think anyone will ever be able to fill his shoes."

Reaction from Hollywood is coming to the newsroom.

Idris Elba who currently stars in the biopic "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" released a statement saying, "What an honor it was to step into the shoes of Nelson Mandela and portray a man who defied odds, broke down barriers, and championed human rights before the eyes of the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

American actor Morgan Freeman, who portrayed Mandela in the film "Invictus", also wrote in Time Magazine it was an "everlasting honor" when Mandela named him as the person he would like to portray him in a film.

We are also receiving reaction from tech titan and philanthropist Bill Gates tweeted, "Every time Melinda and I met Nelson Mandela, we left more inspired than ever. His grace and courage changed the world. This is a sad day."

In Africa, Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan said, Mandela's "death will create a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in our continent."

South Africa's archbishop emeritus Desmond Tutu lauded Mandela as the man who taught a deeply divided nation how to come together.

"We are relieved that his suffering is over, but our relief is drowned by our grief. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."

The National Union of Mineworkers released a statement of tribute reading, "As an honorary president of the NUM, he has been an inspiration through and through and has on many occasions motivated mineworkers to take education seriously as he believed that it is through it that their children will head mines."

2306 GMT: Our video journalist Emilie Iob is speaking with people outside Mandela's home.

Ebrahim Omar tells her, "I'm here because it's the most devastating day of my life in South Africa. We just lost the father of our nation. I herd the news and I had to see, just to say my final goodbye."

Many people speaking with our Andrew Beatty say they are not shocked, but still saddened by the news of Mandela's death.

"It's incredibly sad," John Smale, 32, said.

At a filling station, Simpiwe Hlalgwana, 44, said, "I feel bad because he's an idol."

World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim issued a statement reading, "We are humbled by his leadership. We are inspired by his commitment to reconciliation. He showed us that fundamental change is possible and must be pursued when the freedom and well-being of people are at stake.

On this sad day, our thoughts are with the South African people."

UNICEF also pointed to Mandela's work on behalf of children, saying in a statement, "Today we have all lost a hero, a powerful champion for children."

From New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg released a statement saying, "When I presented Nelson Mandela with the Key to the City in 2005, he spoke passionately about the work of his foundation and his ongoing efforts to tackle the HIV/AIDS epidemic and many other important issues. He devoted his life to building a more just, equal and compassionate world, and we are all better for it. On behalf of the people of the City of New York, I offer my sincere condolences to the Mandela family and the people of South Africa. At my direction, flags at City Hall will be lowered to half-staff in his honor."

2250 GMT: The African National Congress released its official reaction saying, "With deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the African National Congress received the sad news of the passing of our Isithwalandwe and former President, Comrade Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

Our nation has lost a colossus, an epitome of humility, equality, justice, peace and the hope of millions; here and abroad."

Archbishop Desmond Tutu announced that he will address the media in Cape Town on Friday, December 6 and offered a prayer for South Africa.

In Washington, US President Barack Obama mourned Mandela as a "profoundly good" man who "took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice."

Obama concluded his heartfelt remarks, "He no longer belongs to us; he belongs to the ages."

In the UK, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown offered praise for Mandela and reminded people that the accolade he most prized was that of "Children's Champion."

From Brazil, FIFA president Sepp Blatter also shared thoughts on Mandela saying, "He and I shared an unwavering belief in the extraordinary power of football to unite people in peace and friendship, and to teach basic social and educational values as a school of life. When he was honoured and cheered by the crowd at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium on 11 July 2010, it was as a man of the people, a man of their hearts, and it was one of the most moving moments I have ever experienced."

And from Canada, Governor General David Johnson said, "On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, Laureen and I extend our condolences to Mr. Mandela's widow, Graca Machel, his entire family and all citizens of South Africa. Canada, a nation that granted Mr. Mandela honorary citizenship in 2001, mourns with you and the entire world today."

2231 GMT: Our correspondent on the ground Andrew Beatty (@AndrewBeatty) reports that residents of Mandela's Houghton neighbourhood walked arm through surrounding streets toward his house.

The official Twitter account of the Nelson Mandela Foundation tweeted: "Death is something inevitable.When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people&his country,he can rest in peace" #Madiba

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott told Fairfax radio, "Nelson Mandela was one of the great figures of Africa, arguably one of the great figures of the last century."

Many former US Presidents have also released statements and tweets honoring Mandela.

Bill Clinton tweeted a photo with Mandela with the message "I will never forget my friend Madiba."

The Clinton foundation also released a statement saying, "Today the world has lost one of its most important leaders and one of its finest human beings. And Hillary, Chelsea and I have lost a true friend...All of us are living in a better world because of the life that Madiba lived."

George H.W. Bush said, "Barbara and I mourn the passing of one of the greatest believers in freedom we have had the privilege to know. As President, I watched in wonder as Nelson Mandela had the remarkable capacity to forgive his jailers following 26 years of wrongful imprisonment -- setting a powerful example of redemption and grace for us all."

George W. Bush said, "Laura and I join the people of South Africa and the world in celebrating the life of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. President Mandela was one of the great forces for freedom and equality of our time. He bore his burdens with dignity and grace, and our world is better off because of his example. This good man will be missed, but his contributions will live on forever."

Jimmy Carter said, "Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the death of Nelson Mandela. The people of South Africa and human rights advocates around the world have lost a great leader. His passion for freedom and justice created new hope for generations of oppressed people worldwide, and because of him, South Africa is today one of the world's leading democracies."

2224 GMT: Reaction continues to pour in, with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calling Mandela "a giant for justice" and the French Foreign Minister saluting him as "a charismatic giant".

Irish prime minister Enda Kenny paid tribute to the "gift" of Mandela, and offered the country's deepest sympathies to the people of South Africa.

"The name Mandela stirred our conscience and our hearts. It became synonymous with the pursuit of dignity and freedom across the globe," he said in a statement.

2215 GMT: British Prime Minister David Cameron said "a great light had gone out" following Nelson Mandela's death, revealing that flags would be flown at half-mast at his Downing Street Office.

US President Barack Obama will deliver a statement on Mandela's death from the White House at 2220 GMT.

2211 GMT: Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 1993 with Frederik Willem de Klerk "for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa".

Fellow Nobel Peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said, "He is by far the most admired and revered statesperson in the world and one of the greatest human beings to walk this earth."

2206 GMT: Mandela had been receiving treatment for a lung infection at his Johannesburg home since September, after three months in hospital in a critical state.

Mandela is survived by three daughters, 18 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. He had four step-children through his marriage to Graca Machel, whom he married on his 80th birthday.

2157 GMT: South African President Jacob Zuma addressed the nation to inform them of the passing of Nelson Mandela at 95 years old.

A sombre Zuma said, "Fellow South Africans, our beloved Nelson Mandela, the founding president of our democratic nation, has departed. He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20:50 on the 5th of December, 2013. He is now resting. He is now at peace. Our nation has lost its greatest son."

Zuma announced that all flags will fly at half-mast from tomorrow until after the state funeral.

Zuma reminded his nation, "As we gather to pay our last respects, let us conduct ourselves with the dignity and respect that Madiba personified.

"Let us be mindful of his wishes and the wishes of his family.

"Let us commit ourselves to strive together? to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.